She normally spends her Sundays giving Bible lessons or singing in a choir.

But Londonderry model Laura Patterson woke up yesterday to celebrations and countless Press interviews after being crowned the new Miss Ireland.

The 19-year-old Law and Accounting student beat the bookies’ favourites to win the title and the chance to represent Ireland at the Miss World competition in South Africa in December.

Laura, who models with Converse and Assets agencies, said she was surprised and thrilled to win — beating hot favourites Tania Zorilla (Miss Dublin East) and Terrie McEvoy (Miss University) into runner-up places.

She said: “I am so stunned by all this. My normal Sunday is so different, I sing in the choir and give Sunday School lessons, but last night a whole new world has opened up for me.”

Laura, who attends the University of Ulster at Magee, was supported in Dublin by her parents Violet and George and boyfriend Greg Kelly.